Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – A tighter, leaner MOTOWN returns to Broadway for a limited engagement

• By drediman
• July 15, 2016
• No Comments

After a hiatus of more than a year, Motown: The Musical has returned to the Great White Way at the Nederlander Theatre tighter and leaner than the mammoth machine that previously played the Lunt-Fontanne. In terms of jukebox musicals, Motown falls squarely in the middle of the pack. Although it’s not inspired as Mamma Mia! or Jersey Boys – or even last season’s under-appreciated On Your Feet! – this musical autobiography of Motown music producer Berry Gordy’s career is solidly crafted and undeniably entertaining. At the opening night performance I attended this week, the avalanche of familiar songs from the likes of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and the Jackson 5 elicited squeals of delight from the audience, and it was hard not to be affected by the wave of enthusiasm.

One of the things that impressed me most when I saw the show the first time around (smoothly directed by Charles Randolph-Wright than as well as now) was how well it moved. Happily, Motown’s Michael Bennett-esque sense of exciting, forward-driving choreography by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams remains intact and continues to be one of the production’s strengths. I wish I could say the same thing about Mr. Gordy’s merely serviceable book, which he has allegedly continued to tweak since the show first originally opened. Alas, as told by the musical, Mr. Gordy’s story remains mechanical and by-the-numbers, largely lacking in any sort of organic and compelling dramatic arc. It does well, however, to efficiently set up the nonstop pageant of Motown artists and their instantly recognizable hits – totaling approximately 60 songs!

The performances here – many of them have been playing on tour for months and are veterans of the initial Broadway mounting – are very good. The biggest addition to the cast is Chester Gregory in the leading role of Mr. Gordy himself. Whereas Brandon Victor Dixon, who originated the role of Mr. Gordy, played the role with a brooding sensuality, the excellent Mr. Gregory highlights the character’s bright charisma and likeability. This approach changes the tone of the show and is, happily, a better fit for the material. I’d also like to single out Allison Semmes for her sweet and dynamic portrayal of Diana Ross; I found her rendition of “Reach Out and Touch” to be beguilingly infectious. The rest of the hardworking cast is wonderful, and they handle the nonstop direction and choreography admirably.

RECOMMENDED

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL
Broadway, Musical
Nederlander Theatre
2 hours, 40 minutes (with one intermission)
Through November 13